Archive for June, 2010
Jama Masjid + Feathered Friends

Whilst the pigeons in Jama Masjid are free, a stark reality occurs just hundreds of meters away at the Jama Masjid bird market and across the road behind the Red Fort at INA Market; feathered species of all kinds are cooped up waiting for an exchange of swabs of rupees for their lives and freedom. Although the Indian Wildlife Protection Act 1972 exist, enforcement is lacking.

Jun 23, 2010 | Have your say »

Hayya ‘ala-Salāt at Lal Qila

At the call of the Azan (Arabic: أَذَان‎), Muslims around the world make haste towards prayer – Hayya ‘ala-Salāt. Salāt (Arabic: صلاة‎) is obligatory for all adult Muslims, and its supreme importance is indicated by its status as one of the Five Pillars of Sunni Islam. Ritualistic in nature, it is to be performed in prescribed conditions, procedure, and times; hence the use of Azan as a summon.

Jun 16, 2010 | Have your say »

Taj Mahal, the Crown Palace

The Taj Mahal is regarded as one of the eight wonders of the world that was constructed over a period of twenty-two years, employing twenty thousand workers by Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his dear wife – queen Mumtaz Mahal. Completed in 1648 C.E. at a cost of 32 Million Rupees, the Taj is an “elegy in marble” or some say an expression of a “dream.”

Jun 09, 2010 | Have your say »